Worms are a common health concern in puppies, and deworming is a vital part of early pet care. But many new dog owners wonder, “When should you worm puppies?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best time to start deworming, how often it should be done, signs of worm infestations, and tips to keep your puppy worm-free and thriving.
Table of Contents
- Why Worming Puppies Is Important
- When to Start Worming Puppies
- Puppy Worming Schedule
- Types of Worms in Puppies
- Signs Your Puppy Has Worms
- How to Worm a Puppy: Step-by-Step
- Worming Prevention Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Final Thoughts
Why Worming Puppies Is Important
Puppies are especially vulnerable to intestinal parasites, which can be passed from their mother or the environment. Worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including:
- Stunted growth
- Malnutrition
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Weakness and anemia
- In severe cases, death
That’s why early and consistent deworming is critical to a puppy’s health and development.
When to Start Worming Puppies
You should start worming puppies as early as 2 weeks of age. At this stage, they may already have been exposed to parasites through their mother’s milk or in utero. From there, deworming should continue on a regular schedule during their early months of life.
Even if your puppy appears healthy, worms can exist without obvious symptoms—making prevention essential.
Puppy Worming Schedule
Below is a commonly recommended puppy deworming timeline:
- 2 weeks: First dose of dewormer
- 4 weeks: Second dose
- 6 weeks: Third round, often coincides with vaccinations
- 8 weeks: Fourth dose, usually around the time of adoption
- Every 2–4 weeks: Continue until 12 weeks of age
- Monthly until 6 months, then every 3 months for life
Always consult your veterinarian for the specific worming schedule that suits your puppy’s breed and environment.
Types of Worms in Puppies
Here are the most common parasites puppies can be infected with:
- Roundworms: Common in young puppies, passed from mother
- Hookworms: Feed on blood, can cause severe anemia
- Whipworms: Affect the large intestine, less common in puppies
- Tapeworms: Transmitted by fleas, visible in feces as rice-like segments
- Heartworms: Less common in young puppies, but prevention should start by 12 weeks
Signs Your Puppy Has Worms
Although not all puppies show symptoms, here are signs that may indicate a worm infestation:
- Bloated belly
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Dull coat and poor energy
- Worms in stool or vomit
- Dragging their rear on the ground (“scooting”)
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
How to Worm a Puppy: Step-by-Step
- Choose the right dewormer: Your vet will prescribe medication based on the type of worms suspected or confirmed.
- Administer the dose: Comes in liquid, chewable, or tablet form. Follow exact dosage by weight.
- Monitor your puppy: Some may have mild side effects like soft stool or tiredness.
- Repeat as advised: Follow the full deworming schedule to eliminate lifecycle stages of worms.
Worming Prevention Tips
- Start deworming at 2 weeks and follow your vet’s recommended schedule.
- Keep the environment clean—dispose of feces promptly.
- Ensure the mother is dewormed before and after pregnancy.
- Control fleas, as they can transmit tapeworms.
- Avoid raw meat or scavenging behaviors in your puppy.
Regular vet checkups and stool tests help ensure your puppy remains parasite-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should you worm puppies?
You should start deworming puppies at 2 weeks of age and continue every 2–4 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months old.
What happens if I don’t worm my puppy?
Your puppy could suffer from malnutrition, intestinal damage, or even death in severe cases. Worms can also spread to other pets and humans.
Can I worm my puppy at home?
Yes, but only with guidance from your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter products are ineffective or unsafe for young puppies.
Are worms contagious to humans?
Yes, some types like roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic and can be transmitted to people, especially children.
What does deworming cost?
Deworming medications are generally affordable, with doses ranging from $10–$30. Vet visits may increase the cost slightly.
Final Thoughts
Knowing when to worm puppies is essential for giving your furry friend a healthy start in life. Begin deworming at 2 weeks of age, stick to the recommended schedule, and keep up with preventative care. Deworming may seem routine, but it’s a powerful tool in protecting both your puppy and your household from parasites.
Consult your vet, choose the right products, and monitor your puppy’s progress. A clean and worm-free start leads to a lifetime of good health.